NuCoal ready for ICAC hearings

A Hunter coal company says it will continue to cooperate with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), as it investigates the granting of exploration licences by a former Minister.

The ICAC has announced public hearings will be held from November into the granting of several mining exploration licences, including one to Doyles Creek Mining near Jerrys Plains.

NuCoal Resources acquired the licence in 2010, two years after it was granted by former Labor Minister Ian Macdonald.

In a statement released to investors yesterday, NuCoal says it has cooperated fully with the ICAC over the past nine months and will continue to assist as required.

Managing Director Glen Lewis says in the interests of shareholders, the coal industry and the state of New South Wales, NuCoal will continue its discussions with the Government over the development of its proposed underground coal mine at Doyles Creek.

Meanwhile the Caroona Coal Action Group says it hopes tougher laws come out of the ICAC investigations.

Spokesman Tim Duddy, says changes to the Mining Act to make the process more transparent are essential, with or without an inquiry.

"These processes need to be very clear, with no assumptions that any amount of money gives people a licence to extract," he said

"It is enormous power that's given to the Minister and the current laws facilitate that they mature into extractive licences at all costs."